Desert Oasis to Montane Botanic Garden

Our outings were varied over the week-long visit, and included the lovely desert oases of Indian Canyons in hot Palm Springs, as well as the historic apple orchards and Montane Botanic garden in cool Oak Glen in the San Bernadino mountains. The contrast was notable, and both were enjoyable.

Palm oasis in the distance

We visited Indian Canyons on the hottest day of our visit - 102 degrees F. in the heat of the day. We packed a picnic and headed for Indian Canyons, located in the Agua Caliente Reservation just out of Palm Springs. We drove up to the Palm Canyon first, and purchased big bottles of ice cold water from the trading post, and sat under the shade to enjoy the view of the 15-mile long Palm Canyon below.

Palm Canyon Oasis in the canyon below

Water break in 102 degree heat 

Enjoying the view

In years past we have hiked down to walk along the creek through the oasis, so didn't feel the need to prove ourselves anew. It seemed quite sensible to drink our water in the shade, view the palm trees below, and watch the bees working over nearby plants and the birds soaring overhead.

Flood damage 

Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)

Then we headed over to Andreas Canyon for our picnic. Along the way we could see damage from flooding in past years. During the rains, the creek must rise significantly and move massive amounts of debris through the canyon. We spotted some plants in bloom including Brittle Bush and Indigo Bush.

Lunch under the California Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera)

Rocks and palms

We ate our delicious lunch under the palms at Andreas Canyon. This is a lovely place for its accessibility, the contrast between palms and rocks, and view of the valley below. We ate our cheese, bread, apples, carrots, and cookies in the deep shade of the palms, with the sound of birds and the creek in the background. It is easy to see why the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians congregated in this area.

Fan palms by the creek in Andreas Canyon

Enjoying the shade

After lunch, Mom and I followed the creek through the palms, enjoying the shade and breezes, and watching the birds and lizards. The sound of water and bird song is so soothing and restful! Dad explored along the creek closer to the car, also sticking to the shade. (We all stayed in the shade, but still claim bragging rights for hiking in 102 degree F. heat)! We ended the day in Palm Springs, enjoying dinner at Maracas Cantina, a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, and the fun of the Thursday night Stroll (see Palm Springs in Three Visits).

View of the valley below

Several days later, the temperature dropped significantly as a small rain system blew in. We headed for Oak Glen Preserve in the San Bernadino Mountains to enjoy the cool mountain air - about 67 degrees F. at the hottest part of the day. The Wildlands Conservancy manages the Preserve, along with others such as Whitewater Canyon. We ate our picnic lunch under the shady trees lining the parking lot, enjoying the view of the orchards. Mom purchased delicious apple turnovers from the Los Rios bakery for our desert.

Apple orchard in Oak Glen Preserve

Apple blossoms

Quince blossom

Reading the excellent signage in Oak Glen Preserve

I walked through the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden to see what was in bloom. This garden specializes in the species of the greater San Bernadino Mountains. According to the brochure, more than 1,600 plant species have been identified in San Bernadino Mountains making it the most botanically diverse range of its size in the United States. The California Poppies were in full bloom and especially healthy.

Entrance to the Montane Botanic Garden

Hummingbird Hill

View from Hummingbird Hill

My folks and I headed for Red-Wing Pond to watch the wild fowl working on their nests. I took a few minutes to hike through the conifer tree forest, and then we hiked down the hill through the deciduous forest to watch several California blue jays working on their nests. We turned back when the trail got too steep.

Path through the Conifers of California

Purple meadow viewed from the conifer forest

View of Red-Wing Pond

We picked up a couple of cookies at the Los Rios bakery to build up our strength after hiking, and then ended the day with delicious BLT sandwiches for dinner at Polly's Pies. We took home a boysenberry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Red-Wing Pond

Shady bench for viewing California Blue Jays

I suppose in hind sight, we should have visited Oak Glen during the heat spell and the Palm oases when the weather front moved in, but I enjoyed both outings as is!